Tag Archives: Sydney

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Touring Government House in Sydney

Front view of Government House Sydney The most sophisticated example of a Gothic Revival building in New South Wales, Government House has been home to over 27 Governors over the years, and marks a huge difference to the canvas tent that the very first Governor had to pitch in 1788. While Government House today is home to the current Governor of New South Wales, it is also a living museum, meaning that parts of this historic building are open for the public to tour and explore.

Getting to Government House
Located alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Government House is best accessed from the Botanic Gardens themselves, or from Macquarie Street. There are many public transportation options available too, and Government House is just a five minute stroll from these, but if you are already in the area, it is easy enough to get to Government House on foot.

Public Tours
The public tours are the only way to explore the interior of Government House, and since this is a living museum, only certain areas of the building are open to the public tour. The tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 10:30am and 3pm, and last for 45 minutes each. If you would simply like to explore the gardens around the grounds instead, these are open every day and do not require a guide.

Government House sign

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Tour Highlights
The state rooms on the ground floor of Government House are definitely one of the highlights of the tour. These lavishly decorated rooms feature an incredible collection of historic artwork and furnishings, including opulent Vice Regal furniture, from the 19th and 20th century, all of which would be right at home in a world-class museum. When it comes to the exterior of Government House, the Eastern Terrace is a beautiful sight to see, with stunning views over Sydney Harbour. This spot has been used to entertain important visitors, such as members of the British Royal Family, since it was created in 1862. While the Eastern Terrace has experienced substantial wear and tear, as well as other bits of damage, over the years, there are conservation projects in place that will help to keep it as the centrepiece of Government House.

Shops and Cafés
There is only a small on-site shop at Government House, but you will be able to find everything from guidebooks to souvenir postcards here, although this is only open at the same time as the public tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. While there may not be a café within the grounds of Government House, there are several to be found just a few minutes walk away, with the nearest being located at the Botanic Gardens, as well as the Conservatorium of Music.

Sydney’s Government House has been a significant part of the city’s history and the public tours that are offered here are well worth taking. From the historic artwork that lines the grand state rooms, to the spectacular views to be had from the gardens, a tour of Government House will not only be educational, but also extremely memorable.

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Visiting Sydney’s Hyde Park Area

Hyde Park

The oldest public parkland in Australia, Hyde Park can be found in Sydney’s central business district, and stretches out for just over 40 acres. Whether you are seeking some history and culture, or simply want a breath of fresh air away from the bustle of the city, here are some of the highlights of Sydney’s Hyde Park and its surrounding area.

Archibald Fountain and War Memorials
The Archibald Fountain is most definitely the centerpiece of Hyde Park, with wide fig tree-lined pathways leading up to it, which in itself is quite the spectacle. The fountain commemorates the collaboration between Australia and France during World War I, with the Greek mythology creatures surrounding the fountain emphasizing this. The park is also home to a few war memorials, such as the Anzac War Memorial, which is Art Deco in style, and features a photographic exhibition on World War I, as a tribute to the Anzac soldiers who died at this time. On the western side of the park is the 22-meter tall Obelisk, which was erected in 1857 and is decorated with delicate Egyptian features. Another interesting monument can be found at the south of the park, and is titled Yinimadyemi – Thou Didst Let Fall. This public artwork piece is an acknowledgment to the services provided by Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Defence Force.

A Game of Chess
Located at the St. James Station side of the park, the giant chess set has always been popular, and is a throwback to the park’s original sporting days. This life-sized board, along with its life-sized pieces, are perfect for a quick and social game of chess, whether you bring your own partner along, or challenge one of the other players already there.

Fountain

The Australian Museum
Just off of the east side of Hyde Park, the Australian Museum is the oldest museum in the country, and has quite the international reputation when it comes to anthropology and natural history. The museum’s permanent collection is vast, with some of the exhibit highlights including Indigenous Australia, More Than Dinosaurs, Mineral Collections and Insects. There are also always rotating temporary exhibitions held here, meaning that there will always be something new to see each time you visit.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Originally designed by a convict architect in 1818, the Hyde Park Barracks Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that teaches the public about Australia’s convict past. Many of the exhibitions here are interactive, and there are several designed specially for children, such as the Unlocking Heritage program, which allows them to wear convict clothing and sleep in the hammocks in the barrack, to help them really experience what life was like at this time.

At one point in time, the land on which Hyde Park sits was a racecourse and sporting ground, filled with action and noise throughout the year. While its sporting days may be long over, the park still holds a place in the heart of locals, providing a green oasis in the heart of the city.

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Exploring the Top Sights in Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is at the heart of the city, and is home to some of its most iconic sights. From the legendary Harbour Bridge to the naturally spectacular Sydney Harbour National Park, these are some of the must-visit sights in and around Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
The magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge first opened in 1932, and is considered to be quite the engineering feat. While the majority of first-time visitors choose to explore the bridge by walking or cycling over it, one of the most memorable experiences to be had is climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. No climbing skills are necessary, as there are ladders to take you up to each section, and the three and a half hour journey is definitely worthwhile when you take in the incredible 360-degreeviews of the city from the top of the bridge.

Sydney Harbour National Park
The Sydney Harbour National Park was created progressively from 1975 onwards, and today comprises of 392 hectares of certain parts of the harbour, as well as its islands and foreshore. There are so many different things to see and do here, depending on your own personal interests. From exploring pockets of bushland that once encompassed the whole city, to touring the 1801 forts, and their surrounding tunnels and gun pits, to relaxing on Cobblers Beach with a picturesque view of the cove, the National Park is where you will find some of the most enchanting parts of Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Opera House

Maurizio De Mattei / Shutterstock.com

Sydney Opera House
Considered to be one of the wonders of the modern world, the Sydney Opera House can be found on the Sydney Harbour, and is one of the most iconic spots in the country. Its incredible architecture makes it a highly photographed landmark, and, if you want to explore the interior of the Opera House, there are one-hour guided tours available.

Cockatoo Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island can be reached by just a short ferry ride. This is the largest island in the harbour, and is significant because it is the only remaining dry dock in Australia that was built using convict labour. Whether you take a guided or self-guided tour, this island has played a huge role in the country’s history, making it well worth exploring.

The Rocks
Tucked away at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks is considered to be the foundation point of Sydney and Australia, and many would describe it as being an outdoor museum. The oldest spot in the city, its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and Old World charm remain, but it has also experienced quite the transformation, and is now a thriving, cultural part of the city, with an enchanting selection of independent restaurants, shops and stalls.

Sydney is a vibrant and dynamic city, and the Sydney Harbour is at the heart of all of this. Its attractions are varied, from the cultural to the natural to the historical, but, by exploring each, you will learn so much more about the city.

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The 2017 Sydney Festival

Sydney festival fireworks
First established in 1977, the annual Sydney Festival is one of the most important arts festivals in Australia, and is held every January for three weeks, with the dates for this year being the 7th to the 29th. Featuring a mixture of visual and performing arts, with everything from concerts to exhibitions to workshops, here are some of the highlights that you can expect to see in the 2017 Sydney Festival.

Music
The music acts being showcased at the 2017 Sydney Festival are definitely diverse, as they are each year, and there are quite a few performances that music buffs will not want to miss. PJ Harvey, an English singer and songwriter, will be performing on the 22nd of January, giving you the chance to hear her ninth studio album live, while Americana artist Dori Freeman will be performing her Australian premiere at the festival. 1967: Music in the Key of Yes will be a significant show to attend, as it focuses on the way in which Aboriginal people have been discriminated over the years, with some of the most legendary songs of the civil rights movement interpreted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stars.

Theater
For those that enjoy watching theater performances, there are many to choose from in Sydney in January. Ladies in Black is a smash hit musical by Tim Finn that will take you back in time to the late 1950’s, while The Encounter makes use of 3D audio technology to tell the story of when a National Geographic photographer became lost in the Brazilian rainforest in 1969. For a performance that combines theater with sport, Prize Fighter promises to be a thrilling show to attend, as it features live boxing alongside compelling storytelling, featuring the tale of a young Congolese boxer who becomes quite the rising star. Those that are familiar with Australian theater will know all about Urban Theatre Projects, who host performances in unusual locations. This year, for the 2017 Sydney Festival, they will be hosting a play called Home Country, in a multi-level car park in Blacktown.

Sydney festival visual art
Visual Art
Sydney transforms into a visual arts spectacle during the Sydney Festival, with exhibitions, shows, and installations scattered throughout the city. A few of these installations are ideal for the entire family, such as The Beach, which features 1.1 million recyclable polyethylene balls that create a giant ocean into which you can literally submerge yourself, and the House of Mirrors, a disorientating labyrinth created entirely from mirrors. In addition to these interactive installations, some of the other visual art highlights of this year’s festival include Nude Live, which makes use of highly emotional choreography, and Another Day in Paradise, which is Myuran Sukumaran’s first major installation and will be accompanied by pieces from other prominent Australian artists.

For those that are planning to travel to the city for the 2017 Sydney Festival, it is imperative that you book your trip as soon as possible, as everything from hotels to restaurants become much busier during these three weeks. This is a festival that beautifully transforms the city into a creative paradise, and is well worth making the trip to Sydney for.

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Great Spots for Swimming and Snorkeling in Sydney

When choosing from Australia‘s spectacular snorkeling spots, destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef are usually the first to come to mind. However, many do not realize that snorkeling in Sydney is actually a fantastic opportunity, with some of the best sites in the entire country.

Little Bay
With dramatic rocky headlands that provide great protection from the waves of the Pacific, the water at Little Bay is always calm and quiet, making it ideal for those who are new to snorkeling, as well as a perfect swimming spot with one of the cleanest beaches in the city. When it comes to marine life here, you will see a range of quite delicate creatures, such as black urchins to squid to huge schools of tiny colorful fish.

Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach feels almost like a giant ocean pool, with concrete platforms and staggered steps that take you deeper into the water. This is a great spot for both swimmers and snorkelers, as it has gentle waves and feels almost like swimming in an aquarium. One of the marine highlights here is the blue groper fish, which is known for befriending snorkelers, so if you are lucky, you may find yourself accompanied by one.

The Basin
The Basin, which lies within the shelter of Pittwater, is only accessible by water, meaning that snorkeling and swimming happens from the boat itself. The main appeal of this area is the fact that seagrass beds lie beneath the water, which creates an underwater wonderland that is so different from other parts of Sydney. Everything from sea horses to cuttlefish to starfish can be found here, as well as a few tropical species during the warmer months, making it the perfect spot for those who want a sighting of something slightly more unusual.

Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach
A family friendly north-facing beach, Shelly Beach is perfectly sheltered, so the water here is always clear and calm. Swimming, as well as floating on lilos, is a popular activity here, and there are many lilo rental vendors to be found along the beach. In terms of snorkeling, the right hand side of the beach is home to a spectacular reef that is just waiting to be explored.

Cabbage Tree Bay
Cabbage Tree Bay, which is located right next to Shelly Beach, is an aquatic reserve that spreads out for about 20 hectares, and because of all of its natural diversity, makes for a gorgeous swimming spot. In terms of snorkeling, the range of creatures that you will see beneath the water is definitely impressive, with everything from sharks to flounder to goatfish to fiddler rays. Due to its location near Shelly Beach, it would be well worth planning a trip that combines both of these top snorkeling spots.

Sydney has some incredible swimming and snorkeling sites, with different areas suitable for each ability level. With over 500 species of creatures roaming around the harbor and its surrounding areas, you never quite know what you will see on each snorkeling trip, with this selection also changing with the seasons, making each trip even more exciting than the last.

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Touring the Australian Outback

The Australian Outback is legendary, and refers to the vast and arid interior of the country. Many would argue that the true Outback lies well beyond the outskirts of any city, but, if you happen to be visiting Sydney and want to experience a small taste of the Outback, these are a few areas that you can tour.

Broken Hill
Broken Hill
While it may take a lengthy train ride to get you there, Broken Hill, in the far west outback of New South Wales, is an isolated mining town surrounded by semi-desert. While there is only one mine still functioning today, it mines for zinc, lead and silver, which is why the town acquired the nickname Silver City. Being a mining community, there are many mining museums to visit, as well as quite a thriving art scene with a sprinkling of small galleries. Broken Hill is known for its spectacular sunsets, and there are many areas of the Outback that provide great vantage points, from the Mutawintji National Park to the Kinchega National Park, both of which are also worth touring in more depth.

Mudgee
Mudgee is a hillside town that features a range of Outback attractions, especially when it comes to walks through the bush. The Castle Rocks Walk is an iconic one, as the views along the way, as well as at the end of it, are quintessentially Australian. From sandstone pagoda features to eucalypt and pine bushland to native bird life, this is a walk that simply has to be taken. The Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is also worth a visit, as being the second oldest nature reserve in the country, it is steeped in Aboriginal history. For those that want the opportunity to view more of the Outback’s native wildlife, take a tour around the Goulburn River National Park, which is not only perfect for swimming and fishing, but is also home to a variety of wildlife species, from the turquoise parrot to the eastern grey kangaroo to the red-necked wallaby. To inject a dose of history into your trip, stop off at the Gulgong Pioneer Museum, which is home to one of the best Australiana collections in the country.

Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park
A part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, the Mungo National Park consists of over 120,000 hectares of remote Outback landscape, with everything from looming sand dunes to ancient dried up lakebeds. When it comes to touring the park, there are a couple of options available. If you would prefer a self-guided tour, there is a 65 km drive that can be followed, which stops off at 15 points of interest along the way, enabling you to explore the park at your own pace. Alternatively, you have the option of joining an escorted tour in 4WD vehicles. These are led by local rangers from the three tribal groups of the Willandra Lakes Region, giving you the opportunity to learn so much about the area’s history and culture.

Every Australian state contains a small amount of the Outback, and while this may take a fair bit of traveling from the major cities, this is a journey well worth taking. From the remoteness of Broken Hill to the native bushland all around Mudgee, these are some great places to visit when touring the Australian Outback.

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Top Chinese New Year Celebrations

Chinese New Year

Prapas Satong / Shutterstock.com

The Year of the Monkey may have begun on the 8th of February, but celebrations are far from over. For those of you that still want to join in on the festivities, these are some of the very best places around the world for celebrating Chinese New Year.

Beijing, China
China is, of course, the number one place to go if you really want to go all out to celebrate Chinese New Year. While most people in China’s big cities head home to smaller towns for the holiday, creating the largest annual human migration in the world, Beijing has a population of over 20 million residents, meaning that the city is a lively one to spend Chinese New Year. The city gets blanketed in red decorations, and temple fairs put on traditional shows, complete with authentic food stalls serving Chinese New Year specialities. This really is the mother of all Chinese New Year celebrations, and is definitely the city to visit if you want to experience festivities at their most authentic.

San Francisco, USA
Between the colors and events found in San Francisco’s Chinatown and the festivities hosted throughout the city, San Francisco’s Chinese New Year celebrations are some of the biggest and boldest that you will find outside of Asia. The two giant markets selling a variety of goods are a joy to explore, while the food stalls serving up authentic bites make tasty stopping points as you wander around. Visitors can expect to see 100 martial artists wearing a massive 268-foot dragon costume, acrobats dancing around the streets, stilt walkers taller than you’ve ever seen, and marching drumming bands giving the city a whole new rhythm, and, to top it all off, the spectacular sight of 600,000 exploding firecrackers. Another highlight of the holiday is the illuminated night parade, which is not only one of the few night parades in the US, but has also been named as one of the top ten parades in the world.This is the largest Asian cultural event in North America, and it never disappoints, earning itself such a reputation that it is now officially sponsored by Southwest Airlines.

Sydney, Australia
Sydney has quite an advantage over other cities when it comes to their Chinese New Year celebrations, as the days are still warm in the city at this time of the year, meaning that visitors need not worry about being outdoors in the cold. Over 600,000 visitors travel to Sydney for Chinese New Year each year for the variety of events that are hosted around the city. From a variety of art exhibits to a twilight parade to traditional dragon boat races, it is no surprise that the city is so popular for this holiday. You will also find smaller celebrations within different areas of the city, such as in Thai Town and Koreatown.

It does not matter where in the world you live, as you are likely to be able to find a Chinese New Year celebration near you. Even if they may not be as extravagant as the ones mentioned above, they will still give you a true taste of the holiday, as well as the invaluable experience of immersing yourself in another culture.

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Sydney’s Hottest Restaurants

Luxe restaurant

Australia’s food industry has boomed in the last few years, and the country is now well known for its beautiful organic produce and world-class wines. While each region in the country may offer something different, Sydney’s vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere takes the dining experience to a whole new level. For those of you looking for somewhere exciting to eat in the city, OROGOLD has rounded up some of Sydney’s hottest restaurants.

Luyu & YumYum
Dumplings have recently become a huge culinary sensation in Sydney, but the hottest place by far to eat them is at Luyu & YumYum’s in Newtown. Their menu is fresh and innovative, with their unique take on dumplings accompanied with tea-infused cocktails and biodynamic wines. OROGOLD recommends trying the Snow White dumpling for a delicious explosion of prawn, bamboo shoots, asparagus and the chef’s homemade creamy soup, all wrapped up in a potato dough that has been infused with chrysanthemum.

Quay
Any dining establishment that offers floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views across Sydney Harbour needs to ensure that their food is of the highest quality in order to not be overshadowed, and this is exactly what Quay has done. The restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere, bringing together unique ingredients and cooking techniques. While the extensive wine list may seem overwhelming to those who are new to wines, the knowledgeable and friendly sommelier will be able to guide you in your decision.

Bang Street Food
A restaurant that takes inspiration from the chef’s heritage, Bang Street Food serves up some of the finest Bangladeshi cuisine in Australia. With its exposed brick walls and designer interior touches, this restaurant immediately feels completely on-trend, and, of course, its food is a stand-out as well. The menu features a variety of different sharing platters, with some of OROGOLD’s favorite dishes being the Wagyu Tri Tip Curry and the honey-roasted paneer, as well as the rum-drunk doughnuts for dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, OROGOLD suggests ordering the Bang for Your Buck menu, where the kitchen will put together a meal just for you.

Firedoor
Located in Surrey Hills, Firedoor is the first restaurant in Australia to offer a fire-powered menu, meaning that the wood used in cooking is treated just as importantly as the other main ingredients. Wood is selected for their unique properties, and paired with dishes that they can brilliantly complement, whether it be fish, meat or vegetables. The menu changes daily, with everything cooked to order, so you can be sure that your food is as fresh as possible. With minimalistic cooking, and a strong focus on local produce and exceptional flavors, this is a restaurant that OROGOLD can see becoming very popular.

From modern Australian fine dining to authentic Bengali street food, Sydney’s food scene is definitely exciting. Each of these restaurants adds a unique touch to the city’s culinary offerings, and OROGOLD highly recommends that you pay them a visit to enjoy the unique dishes that they each serve up.

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Australia’s Best Beaches

With some of the longest stretches of sand covered coastline in the world, Australia is home to over 11,000 different beaches, each unique for its own reasons. It would be impossible to explore all of Australia’s beaches in a single trip, or even your entire lifetime, so if you are wondering where to go, take a look at OROGOLD’s picks of Australia’s best beaches.

Boondi Beach, Australia

Bondi Beach, Sydney
While Bondi Beach has made it on the list of Australia’s best beaches, this is not necessarily due to the quality of the beach itself. Bondi Beach is a Sydney icon, if not a beach icon for the whole of Australia, and a visit to Sydney would not be complete without spending some time on Bondi Beach. It is usually exceptionally crowded, but is the best beach to do some people watching and soak up the authentic Australian beach culture. The history of the area, as well as the atmosphere and surroundings, definitely make it worth the visit, even if you don’t intend to do any swimming.

Whithaven Beach, Whithaven Island.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland
The most photographed beach in Australia, Whitehaven Beach is arguably the country’s most beautiful. The silica in the sand makes it extremely soft to the touch, and prevents it from getting too hot, giving it a gleaming white color that contrasts gorgeously with the aquamarine waters. Although this may be a popular beach, its beauty stretches out for over 7km, so even when the tour buses come along to unload their hordes of beach-going tourists, you will still be able to find a quiet area to enjoy some peace and tranquillity.

Cable Beach, Australia.

Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia
Known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Cable Beach has 22km of pristine white sand, washed clean every day by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Since it sits on the Indian, rather than Pacific, Ocean, Cable Beach is world famous for its spectacular sunsets, which appear as a bright red ball in the sky, casting off amazing warm shades over the water. The Sunset Bar is a great place to relax and take this in, while others opt for a sunset camel ride along the beach. Those who want to soak up the sun au naturel can visit the area of the beach just north of the rocks, where clothing is optional, while those who want to experience some native culture can follow one of the walking trails south of the rocks, which will take you through the red dunes of Minyirr Park, a spiritual location for the Yawuru people.

The beaches in Australia are as varied as the country is. While some may have huge breaks for experienced surfers, others will have gentle waters for children to splash around in. Nature lovers will be able to enjoy the wildlife at the more isolated beaches, while those who want to snorkel or dive have many spots to choose from. Since there are so many options available, OROGOLD recommends researching all of the beaches in the area of Australia that you are in, so that you can be sure that you are picking the best one for your needs.